Night of Technology in the Bergisches Städtedreieck

Premiere in the Bergisches Städtedreieck

The Night of Technology is a nationally established event series that makes engineering research and industrial practice tangible. In 2026, the 1st edition in the Bergisches Städtedreieck — i.e., the three independent cities of Wuppertal, Solingen, and Remscheid — will take place on Friday, May 8, 2026. 29 companies and institutions will open their doors to interested visitors between 6 PM and midnight.

Initiated by VDI and VDE

The series is initiated by the VDI (Association of German Engineers) and the VDE (Association for Electrical Engineering, Electronic and Information Technology) — the two largest engineering professional associations in Germany. The University of Wuppertal is the science partner, participating with research demonstrations, robot labs, and hands-on activities.

Over 29 Stations — from Mechanical Engineering to Research Labs

The Bergisches Städtedreieck is the industrial heart of West Germany. Since the 19th century, heavy industry and special mechanical engineering have originated here — Solingen blades, Remscheid tools, Wuppertal textiles, and pharmaceuticals. The participating stations in 2026 showcase the full spectrum:

• Mechanical Engineering Companies — Heavy machinery, manufacturing machines, CNC milling, grinding and polishing stations
• Blade and Tool Industry from Solingen — Forging demonstrations, hardening lines, manual craftsmanship
• Tool Manufacturing from Remscheid — Steel processing, forging technology
• Pharmaceutical and Chemical Companies from Wuppertal — Laboratory tours, cleanroom technology
• Research Labs of the University of Wuppertal — Robotics, materials science, electrical engineering
• Energy Providers — Smart grid demos, e-mobility concepts
• IT and Software Companies — Virtual reality stations, AI demos
• Transport Companies — Special suspension railway tours, tram workshops

Technology Night Expo as a Central Point of Contact

A Technology Night Expo serves as the central point of contact for the evening. Here, visitors can get information beforehand, gain a first impression of the participating stations, and plan their route through the night. The Expo attracted particularly great attention at its 2026 premiere.

Stations Already Sold Out in Advance

A special feature: participation in many stations was sold out weeks before the event due to high demand — a typical phenomenon for successful Night of Technology premieres. Organizers recommend early registration via the festival website nacht-der-technik.de.

Bergisches Städtedreieck — Industrial History and Tradition

The Bergisches Städtedreieck refers to the three independent cities of Wuppertal (approx. 360,000 inhabitants), Solingen (approx. 160,000), and Remscheid (approx. 110,000) in the Bergisches Land region, east of Düsseldorf. With over 630,000 inhabitants combined, the conurbation is one of the most economically strong industrial areas in North Rhine-Westphalia. Wuppertal is known for its suspension railway, the Pina Bausch dance theater, and its historic textile industry. Solingen is the "City of Blades" with a worldwide reputation for knives and scissors. Remscheid is the "City of Tools" — specialized tools have been developed here for generations.

Future of the Event

Following the successful premiere in 2026, the Night of Technology in the Bergisches Städtedreieck is set to become a regular event. The next date will be announced soon on the festival website. Other regional Nights of Technology in NRW: Cologne (July 3, 2026), Altenkirchen district (September 18, 2026), Oberberg (May 14, 2027), Rhein-Erft (June 25, 2027), Bonn/Rhein-Sieg (October 25, 2027).